This is part of Family Council’s ongoing series outlining the importance of traditional family values in society. Today’s installment highlights the value of traditional marriage.
Even though governments and courts in America have moved to redefine marriage in the past decade, traditional marriage between one man and one woman is still an essential building block of society.
Below are a few key points to consider.
Traditional Marriage is a Fundamental Institution
Marriage between one man and one woman is an institution that has existed for millennia. It has served as the foundation of countless civilizations — including our own.
It’s easy to forget, but no nation on earth recognized same-sex marriage before the year 2000. There is virtually no history of same-sex marriage in America — or anywhere else, for that matter — prior to the past 23 years.
The marriage of one man to one woman has been the bedrock of western civilization for almost a thousand years. Marriage licenses were issued in colonial America more than a century before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
There is nothing hateful in wanting to uphold the pillars that help support our civilization, and there is nothing wise in tearing those pillars down.
Supporting Traditional Marriage Goes Hand-in-Hand with Supporting Religious Liberty
Traditional marriage and religious liberty are deeply connected, because many religions recognize marriage as a sacred institution between one man and one woman.
Christians believe marriage is a part of God’s created order. People of faith should be free to live out their religious convictions regarding marriage.
Unfortunately, we have heard time and again about Christian photographers, bakers, florists, and wedding chapel owners being investigated and dragged into court because they declined to take part in a same-sex wedding or ceremony. Sometimes the Christian business owners win their cases. Other times they lose.
Devaluing marriage and redefining it in society have set the stage for this type of conflict.
Traditional Marriage is Good for Children and Families
Traditional marriage provides a supportive environment where children can thrive. It also is one of the most effective ways to combat poverty and promote economic mobility.
In 2012 Heritage Foundation published an exhaustive report identifying marriage as a determining factor in whether or not a family lives in poverty.
The report found “being married has the same effect in reducing poverty that adding five to six years to a parent’s level of education has.”
Bottom line: Traditional marriage — a lifelong union of one man to one woman — is good for everyone.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
